Publisher's Synopsis
Modern Local Government fills an important gap by combining an examination of the origins of modern local government in the UK with the changes which have taken place in recent years. The book traces the development of local government from the nineteenth century to the present day, examining the growth of local authoritiesÆ functions as a response to problems posed by urbanisation and industrialisation. The study looks at the gradual increase of services in the period before the Second World War and examines the qualitative and quantitative changes which occurred as a result of the establishment of the welfare state. Finally, it analyses the changes which have taken place as a result of the radical shift in government policy since 1979 and notes the decline in the scope and status of local government which have occurred.
